Decisions, Decisions
Hello everyone! How are y'all doing today? I have returned to the forum to seek advice.
So recently, I have came into some money, and with this money, I have the opportunity to upgrade. I am currently in the second semester of my freshman year of college, and I am double majoring in music education and performance. I am currently using a school owned Yamaha YEP-642(pre Neo), but I want to use a horn of mine own(I also really don't like this horn.) I am presented with two options.
Option 1: For the past four years, I have been researching many cheaper alternatives, reading different threads on the forum, and play testing horns at TMEA. The two horns that I have become most interested in are both the Wessex Dolce, and the John Packer JP274. I've read and heard many good things on both of these horns, and after play testing both of them a fair amount, I've really liked both of them. While I do like the "Besson" feel of the JP274, the Wessex is financially the better option(I am very still fond of how it plays and sounds).
Option 2: Just last month, I was able to acquire a very old Besson New Standard with a brushed finish (some of it is missing). This horn is in rough shape, with the 4th valve tubing ripped, the valves need to be replated, the bell needs to be rounded out, and many other issues. I can put the money into getting this horn as fix up as it can be, in hopes that it will be cheaper than purchasing a Wessex or Packer.
In conclusion, it is either buy a new horn, or fix up the one I already have. The most obvious answer may be to fix the Besson, but a part of me thinks that it would be better to have a horn with some more life left in it. I am also not sure if repairs or (maybe even an overhaul) could get the horn where I want it. The factors to consider are long term use, quality, and saving money. What do y'all think?
Jacob A. Casas
TLU Sophomore
Yamaha 642 Neo(School Owned), Denis Wick SM$
Miraphone 186(School Owned), Giddings and W4bster Williwaw
Besson New Standard 3v Comp, Yamaha 51D
King 1140, Conn Helleberg
King 607F Tempo II, Bach 5g
King 605F, Conn 12c
Conn 15a cornet, Bach 7c